The Huawei P60 Pro boasts an impressive camera with a unique set of features that truly sets it apart from other smartphones in the market. The Eye of Light camera setup aims to capture images with more light, better texture, and improved dynamic range. These achievements are accomplished through the incorporation of advanced sensors, an actual aperture ring, improved color science with Xmage, an optical zoom range camera setup, and other complementary functions.
However, one noteworthy fact is that while other brands are equipping their flagship smartphones with 1-inch sensors, Huawei has chosen to stick with their homegrown RYYB sensors for all three lenses. While Huawei claims that the RYYB sensor performs well in low-light conditions compared to conventional sensors, it is worth considering how it compares to 1-inch sensors. Additionally, Huawei has implemented an actual aperture ring on their main camera, similar to their earlier model, the Mate 50 Pro. The question arises as to whether this feature is necessary for a small smartphone sensor.
In this review, we aim to showcase the best of what Huawei has to offer in photography. Through this examination, we will determine whether the Huawei P60 Pro represents a significant advancement or if it is simply a repackaging of last-generation specifications.
Technology
RYYB Sensor
Let’s discuss the technology that makes the Huawei P60 Pro’s RYYB sensor unique. The RYYB sensor, which was initially introduced in the Huawei P30 Pro, differs from the traditional RGB (red, green, blue) sensor commonly found in most smartphone cameras. In the RYYB sensor, the green sub-pixel in the RGB sensor is replaced with a yellow sub-pixel, forming a red-yellow-yellow-blue (RYYB) color filter array.
The RYYB sensor functions by allowing more light to reach the camera sensor compared to an RGB sensor. This is due to the increased sensitivity of the yellow sub-pixel to light in contrast to the green sub-pixel. With a higher amount of light reaching the camera sensor, the RYYB sensor can capture more intricate details in low-light conditions, resulting in brighter and clearer images.
In this generation of the RYYB sensor, Huawei claims to have achieved a 40% improvement in low-light performance by enhancing the sensor’s light intake capabilities.
Image example:
Physical Aperture
One of the most exciting features of the Huawei P60 Pro is its physical aperture ring. As seen in the Huawei Mate 50 Pro, the 6-blade aperture ring is a reimagining of the technology found in photography lenses. By retracting or expanding the position of the blades, it forms a ring that can either block or allow more light to enter.
In the photography world, aperture adjustment has traditionally been achieved through virtualization, digitally darkening the image. However, compared to a virtual aperture, an actual aperture ring offers several advantages. It provides greater flexibility, more control, faster operation, and is cheaper to manufacture. By using an aperture ring, images captured with the Huawei P60 Pro can have better quality, including improved contrast, reduced lens flare, enhanced dynamic range, greater artistic control, and even better battery life. Utilizing a physical aperture ring means that the P60 Pro’s image capabilities are enhanced.
Image example:
With the imaging focusing on the tip of the gun, we notice how natural the bokeh/blur is. The smaller the aperture, the sharper the image becomes, and it gradually and naturally blurs out from the point of focus.
Periscope Telephoto lens with Macro capabilities
The periscope telephoto lenses have also made a comeback, offering up to a 3.5x optical zoom range and a 10x hybrid zoom range. This effectively gives the Huawei P60 Pro a zoom range from 13mm (3.5x) to 24mm (5x) and 90mm (10x).
With this range, the Huawei P60 Pro becomes a powerful street camera, as it is not limited to a fixed focal length and offers the flexibility of capturing close-up images without needing to physically move closer to the subject. To ensure sharp images, Huawei has also introduced macro elements into the telephoto camera. In super macro mode, users can capture exceptionally sharp images.
Zooming to an extensive range does have certain downsides, with the main challenge being camera stabilization. Unlike full-size cameras, smartphones often fall short in terms of ergonomics, making it harder to stabilize them. To address this, Huawei has employed an image-stabilizing sensor to counteract the lack of ergonomics and enable users to capture sharper images.
Image Samples
XMAGE XD Fusion Pro
Here’s the kicker about the Huawei P60 Pro: many of the hardware components found in this phone can also be found in the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. This is because Huawei has been moving towards self-reliance due to limited access to Western technology. This has forced Huawei to develop unique and innovative technologies, mastering them to enhance their devices’ potential and competitiveness in the market.
Among the standout technologies in the Huawei P60 Pro is the Xmage XD Fusion Pro Texture Engine. This texture imaging channel works in collaboration with an AI learning algorithm to precisely reproduce the details of objects, recreating the image as your eyes perceive it. This particular technology caught our attention due to the impressive texture present in every image we captured with the phone.
Conclusion
The Huawei P60 Pro’s ultra-lighting cameras are among the most interesting we have seen so far. With its physical aperture, 10x optical zoom, and Xmage engine, users won’t miss a shot with this phone by their side.
The RYYB sensor combined with Huawei’s Xmage image engine, in our opinion, compares favorably against the current generation of 1-inch sensors. Upon observing the images we captured, we noticed improved noise performance and better light intake compared to normal smartphone cameras, effectively addressing what a 1-inch sensor is supposed to address.
While this is done mostly on sensor technology and image algarithm, Huawei P60 pro does produce image that look like photoshoped. While the dramatic looks of the phone’s design may not be for everyone, we personally enjoyed it. It is one of the most prominent characteristics in smartphone cameras that we have seen in a while and the out come is very consistent.
The stabilization during long-distance zooms and macro close-ups makes it easier for beginners or amateurs to capture blockbuster-like images and experiment with different photography styles.
Another noteworthy feature is the improved XD Fusion Pro with Texture Imaging Channel, which accurately restores textures of real-world objects. Users can witness the reproduction of true-to-life textures on camera when they point-and-shoot their device at jewellery, glassware, or metal cutleries.
Overall, the Huawei P60 Pro’s camera’s unique functions make it a perfect tool for capturing moments exactly as they are. Priced at RM4699 for the 8GB+256GB variant, it is positioned at the highest end of the consumer market.
At this price point, users are presented with numerous flagship phones from various brands, all offering their best features. However, we can confidently say that the Huawei P60 Pro excels tremendously in its photography abilities. Therefore, we highly recommend the Huawei P60 Pro to individuals seeking the best photography smartphone currently available in the market, and we proudly award it our gold award.
Help us!
So here you go, our review on the Huawei P60 Pro’s camera. If you agree with us and want to pick one up, do consider purchasing via the link below. The affiliate link doesn’t cost you any extra, but will be a great help to keep our lights on here at HelloExpress.
Lazada: https://s.lazada.com.my/s.5CsCq?cc